The Three Musketeers
"So this is the famed Amber Rain." Gunther exclaimed, looking her over. "I figured you'd be taller."
Amber looked up at the much larger man and frowned. "But I'm just the right height to hit you where it really hurts."
Gunther paused for a moment and Lance grimaced. Back-talking Gunther was a recipe for disaster; he ran a tight ship and brooked no insubordination. But to Lance's shock, Gunther burst out laughing.
"Well played Ms Rain." He smiled. "I just hope your blades are as sharp as your wit. Because where we're sending you, you'll need to be at your peak."
"And where is that exactly?" She asked.
"Windspire." Lance replied. "Something's happened there. The city is in chaos."
"Shadow attack?" She asked.
"Most definitely, but not like we've seen before, this is insidious." Gunther replied. "The governor has been making and changing laws, just subtle tweaks and adjustments really. But over time it's caused the situation there to deteriorate rapidly. Taxes were raised, which further bridged the gap between rich and poor and pushed many onto the streets, which led to crime. Much of the city guard was made redundant which only exacerbated the crime situation. Other laws around trade tariffs and restrictions of goods into Windspire have brought the city to its knees."
"There's round the clock looting." Lance continued. "Violent crimes are the norm now, and people go missing on a daily basis, turning up dead days later. Thousands protest each day, and many die when assaulted by heavy handed law enforcement, all of whom are now protecting the palace full time. The city is on the brink of collapse."
"This is insane. How are they doing this?" Amber exclaimed.
"A woman by the name of Alana." Amber turned to see a young woman with striking silver-blue hair. She continued speaking as she walked into the room. "The few scouts I've been able to get into Windspire have reported seeing this woman with the Mayor at all times. It's almost like she has him under thrall."
"Amber, may I introduce Lyra Blackrose." Lance said with a smirk. "Probably the second best spy I've ever known."
Lyra snorted. "You know I'm better than you."
"Stow it, you two." Gunther ordered. "Lyra, continue."
"Well, we've tried to take her out, the problem is that she has this…. effect on men. All of my male scouts show up either dead or in the same state as Governor Torgadden."
"Not just dead, half eaten too." Lance added. "She's definitely some kind of Shadow agent."
"What about women?" Amber asked.
Lyra smiled. "Exactly. Never send a man to do a woman's job."
"What she means is we need to get a woman in there." Lance clarified.
"Me." Amber stated. Lance simply nodded.
"You won't go in alone." Gunther explained. "However I can't send a large team in. But I can provide some support."
"Serena?" Amber asked Lance, who shook his head. "No, we haven't seen Serena since Ravendark. I have no idea where she is. Gunther means the Rosecult sisters." He motioned out toward the courtyard. "Come, you should meet them."
The Rosecult sisters were found practicing their swordplay in the main courtyard, each as graceful as the other as they twirled and countered blows, and occasionally Amber could hear a short grunt as one of them connected with their kendo sticks. As Amber and Lance approached both Rosecults stopped sparring and looked over the new arrival, and as she got closer Amber realised they weren't just sisters, they were twins.
"Jasmine, Lily." Lance began, nodding to each in turn, "This is Amber Rain."
One of the two shook her head. "I'm Lily, that's Jasmine." She said, pointing at her twin.
"Oh no, you're not pulling this crap on me again." Lance replied sternly, and the two twins simultaneously grinned. Lance turned back to Amber. "Well, one of them is Lily, the other Jasmine. Normally they don't dress alike so it's easy to pick them." He said, referring to their training garb.
Amber nodded. "Looks like we're heading to Windspire together, so hopefully I'll have figured it out by then."
"You want us to wear name tags?" One of the twins mocked, and the other elbowed her in the side. "Shut up Jasmine."
"What? Just making conversation." Jasmine replied.
"Being an idiot more like." Lily retorted.
Lance looked at Amber and smiled. "Have fun."
The trip to Windspire was long, made even longer by the constant bickering between the Rosecults. They argued over everything ranging from fighting styles to ex-boyfriends. From what Amber overheard Jasmine seemed quite the man-eater.
However Amber was glad to realise that when it came down to it, the twins were all business. They had been attacked by bandits a number of times en-route, and when that happened the talking stopped and the twins moved like a single fluid machine, barely even exchanging words as they fought. However as soon as the battle was over the bickering began anew. Still, Amber could see why Gunther and Lance appreciated their talents.
Upon arriving at Windspire, Amber could see the city gates had been closed and locked. There were no guards on the city walls, however there was still going to be no easy way in. Walking up to the walls, Amber ran her hand over them. They were too smooth to climb conventionally. Good thing Lance had anticipated this eventuality and provided the three of them with climbing hooks. Amber, Lily and Jasmine slowly but surely scaled the walls and surveyed the city.
And what they saw chilled them to the bone.